The total resistance offered by a device in an alternating current circuit due to inductive and capacitive effects, as well as the direct current resistance

Abrasion resistance

Ability of a wire, cable or material to resist surface wear

Accelerated Aging

A test in which voltage, temperature, etc, are increased above normal operating values to obtain observable deterioration in a relatively short period of time. The plotted results give expected service life under normal conditions.

Accelerated Life Test

A test in which certain factors such as voltage, temperature, etc., to which a cable is subjected are increased in magnitude above normal operating values to obtain observable deterioration in a reasonable period of time

Accelerator

A chemical additive which hastens a chemical reaction under specific conditions

Activator

A chemical additive used to initiate the chemical reaction in a specific chemical mixture

Active Current

In an alternating current, a component in phase with the voltage; the working component as distinguished from the idle or wattless component

Active Pressure

In an A.C. circuit, the pressure which produces a current, as distinguished from the voltage impressed upon the circuit

Adhesion

The state in which two surfaces are held together by interfacial forces which may be chemical or mechanical in nature

Admittance

The measure of the ease with which an alternating current flows in a circuit. The reciprocal of impedance.

Aerial Cable

A cable suspended in the air on a pole or other overhead structure

Aging

The irreversible change in properties or appearance of a material with time and under specific conditions (usually accelerated representations of environmental states, such as high temperature, oxygen or other various conditions or media.)

Air Core Cable

A telephone cable in which the interstices in the cable core are not filled with a moisture barrier

Air Spaced Coaxial Cable

One in which air is the essential dielectric material. A spirally wound synthetic filament or spacer may be used to center the conductor.

Alloy

A metal formed by combining two or more different metals to obtain desirable properties

Alpeth

An aerial telephone cable having an aluminum shield

ALS

A type of cable consisting of insulated conductors enclosed in a continuous closely fitting aluminum tube

Alternating Current (AC)

Electric current that continually reverses its direction. It is expressed in hertz or Hz (cycles per second).

Alternating Voltage

The voltage developed across a resistance or impedance through which alternating current is flowing

Ambient Temperature

Any all-encompassing temperature within a given area

Ampacity

The maximum current an insulated wire or cable can safely carry without exceeding either the insulation or jacket material limitations. (Same as Current Carrying Capacity.)

Ampere

The unit of current. One ampere is the current flowing through one ohm of resistance at one volt potential.

Anneal

Relief of mechanical stress through heat and gradual cooling. Annealing copper renders it less brittle.

Anode

The electrode through which a direct current enters the liquid, gas or other discrete part of an electrical circuit; the positively charged pole of an electrochemical cell.

ANSI

American National Standards Institute

Anti-Oxidant

A substance that prevents or slows down oxygen decomposition (oxidation) of a material exposed to air

Anti-Oxonant

A substance which prevents or slows down material degradation due to ozone reaction

Arc Over Voltage

The minimum voltage required to create an arc between electrodes separated by a gas or liquid insulation under specified conditions

Arc Resistance

The degree to which a material opposes the formation of a conductive path

Arc.

!) A luminous glow formed by the flow of electric current through ionized air, gas or vapor between separated electrodes or contacts. 2) A portion of the circumference of a circle.

Power loss in an electrical system. In cables, generally expressed in dB per unit length, usually 100 ft.

Audio Frequency

The range of frequencies audible to the human ear. Usually 20-20,000 Hz.

AWG

Abbreviation for American Wire Gauge

AWM

Designation for appliance wiring material

B. & S.

Abbreviation for "Brown & Sharpe Wire Gauge" - same as American Wire Gauge

Balanced Circuit

A circuit so arranged that the impressed voltages on each conductor of the pair are equal in magnitude but opposite in polarity with respect to ground

Band marking

A continuous circumferential band supplied to a conductor at regular intervals for identification

Band Width

The frequency range of transmitted electrical signals, expressed in Hertz.

Bare conductor

A conductor having no covering, coating or cladding

BCF

Abbreviation for billion conductor feet. A quantity derived by multiplying the number of conductors in a cable by the amount of cable. Usually used to indicate plant capacity or an annual requirement.

Binder

A spirally served tape or thread used for holding assembled cable components in place awaiting subsequent manufacturing operations.

Bond

The attachment at an interface between an adhesive and an adherent or between materials attached together by adhesive

Bond Strength

Amount of adhesion between surfaces, e.g., in bonded ribbon cable

Boot

A protective covering over any portion of a cable or conductor in addition to its jacket or insulation

Braid

A fibrous or metallic group of filaments interwoven in cylindrical form to form a covering over one or more wires

Braid Angle

The smaller of the two angles formed by the shielding strand and the axis of the cable being shielded

Braid Carrier

A spool or bobbin on a braider which holds one group of strands or filaments consisting of a specific number of ends. The carrier revolves during braiding operations.

Braid Ends

The number of strands used to make up one carrier. The strands are wound side by side on the carrier bobbin and lie parallel in the finished braid.

Brazing

The joining of ends of two wires, rods or groups of wires with a nonferrous filler metal at temperatures above 800F (427C).

Breakdown (Puncture)

A disruptive discharge through insulation

Breakdown of Insulation

Failure of an insulation resulting in a flow of current through the insulation. It may be caused by the application of too high voltage or by defects or decay.

Breakdown Voltage

The voltage at which the insulation between two conductors breaks down

Breakout

The point at which a conductor or group of conductors break out from a multi-conductor cable to complete circuits at various points along the main cable

Building Wire

Wire used for light and power, 600 volts or less, usually not exposed to outdoor environment

Bunch Stranding

A group of wires of the same diameter twisted together without a predetermined pattern

Burried Cable

A cable installed directly in the earth without use of underground conduit. Also called "direct burial cable."

C.S.A.

Abbreviation for Canadian Standards Association

Cable

A group of individually insulated conductors in twisted or parallel configuration, with or without an overall covering

Cable Assembly

A completed cable and its associated hardware ready to install

Cable Filler

The material used in multiple conductor cables to occupy the spaces formed by the assembly or components, thus forming a core of the desired shape (normally cylindrical).

Cabling

The twisting together of two or more insulated conductors to form a cable

Cabling Factor

Used in the formula for calculating the diameter of an unshielded, unjacketed cable. D=Kd, where the cable diameter, K is the factor and d is the diameter of the insulated conductor.

Caged Armor

A construction using wires within a jacket to increase mechanical protection and tensile strength. This construction is sometimes used in submarine cables.

Capacitance

Storage of electrically separated charges between two plates having different potentials. The value depends largely on the surface area of the plates and the distance between them.

Capacitance Coupling

Electrical interaction between two conductors caused by the capacitance between them

Capacitance, Direct

The capacitance measured directly from conductor to conductor through a single insulating layer

Capacitance, Mutual

The capacitance between two conductors with all other conductors, including shield, short-circuited to ground

Capacitance, Unbalance

An inequality of capacitance between the wires of two or more pairs which results in a transfer of unwanted signals from one pair to others

Capacitance, Unbalance To Ground

An inequality of capacitance between the ground capacitance of the conductors of a pair which results in a pickup of external source energy, usually from power transmission lines

Carrier

The basic woven grouping of a braided shield, consisting of one or several parallel ends

Cathode

Negative pole of an electric source

Cathode Protection

The control of the electrolytic corrosion of an underground or underwater metallic structure by the application of an electric current through a sacrificial anode in such a way that the structure is made to act as a cathode of an electrolytic cell

A certificate which is normally generated by a Quality Control Department, which shows that the product being shipped meets customer's specification

Certified Test Report (CTR)

A report providing actual test data on a cable. Tests are normally run by a Quality Control Department, which shows that the product being shipped conforms to test specifications.

Characteristic Impedance

The impedance that, when connected to the output terminals of a transmission line of any length, makes the line appear infinitely long. The ratio of voltage to current at every point along a transmission line on which there are no standing waves.

Charge

The quantity of electricity held statically in a condenser or on an insulated conductor

Charging Current

The current produced when a DC voltage is first applied to conductors of an unterminated cable. It is caused by the capacitive reactance of the cable, and decreases exponentially with time.

Charging Time

The time required for the voltage between two conductors of a cable to acquire a value equal to 98.2% of the magnitude of an instantaneous applied DC voltage change

Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSPE)

A rubbery polymer made by treating polyethylene with chlorine and sulfur dioxide. It is suitably compounded and crosslinked for application as jacket or as insulation. Manufactured by E.I. DuPont under trade name Hypalon.

Circuit

The complete path through which a current flows or part of the complete path, such as one conductor

Circuit Sizes

A popular term for building wire sizes 14 through 10 AWG

Circular Mil.

The area of a circle one mil. (.001") in diameter; 7.845 x 10-7 sq. in. Used in expressing wire cross sectional area.

To cover with a continuous layer of compound (such as varnish) for purposes of finishing, protecting or enclosing. Usually comprises variable degrees of impregnation depending on the nature of the substance.

Coating

A material applied to the surface of a conductor to prevent environmental deterioration, facilitate soldering or improve electrical performance

Coaxial Cable

A cable consisting of two cylindrical conductors with a common axis, separated by a dielectric

Cold flow

Permanent deformation of the insulation due to mechanical force or pressure (not due to heat softening).

Cold Test

Any test to determine the performance of cables during or after subjection to a specified low temperature for a specified time

Color Code

A system for circuit identification through use of solid colors and contrasting tracers

Common Axis Cabling

In multiple constructions, a twisting of all conductors about a "common axis" with two conductor groups then selected as pairs. This practice yields smaller diameter constuctions than does a separate axis construction.

Common Mode

(Noise), caused by a difference in "ground potential." By grounding at either end rather than both ends (usually grounded at source) one can reduce this interference.

Compact Stranded Conductor

A unidirectional or conventional concentric conductor manufactured to a specified diameter, approximately 8 to 10% below the nominal diameter of a noncompact conductor of the same cross sectional area

Compatibility

The ability to dissimilar materials to exist in mutual proximity or contact without changing their physical or electrical properties

Composite Cable

A cable consisting to two or more different types or sizes of wires

Compound

An insulating or jacketing material made by mixing two or more ingredients

Concentric Stranding

A central wire surrounded by one or more layers of helically wound strands in a fixed round geometric arrangement

Concentricity

In a wire or cable, the measurement of the location of the center of the conductor with respect to the geometric center of the surrounding insulation

Conductance

The ability of a conductor to carry electric current. It is the reciprocal of resistance and is measured in mhos.

Conductivity

The capability of a material to carry electrical current - usually expressed as a percentage of copper conductivity (copper being 100%).

Conductor

An uninsulated wire suitable for carrying electrical current

Conduit

A tube or trough in which insulation wire and cables are run

Connector

A device used to physically and electrically connect two or more conductors

Contacts

The parts of a connector which actually carry the electrical current, and are touched together or separated to control the flow

Continuity Check

A test to determine whether electric current flows continuously throughout the length of a single wire in a cable

A multi-conductor cable made for operation in control or signal circuits

Copolymer

A polymer formed from two or more types of Monomer

Copper-Clad

Steel with a coating of copper welded to it, as distinguished from copper-plated. Same as Copperweld.

Copperweld

The trade name of Flexo Wire Division (Copperweld Steel Corp.) for their copper-clad steel conductors

Cord

A small, flexible insulated cable

Core

In cables, a component or assembly of components over which additional components (shield, sheath, etc.) are applied

Corona

A discharge due to ionization of air around a conductor due to a potential gradient exceeding a certain critical value

Corona Effect (of A.C.)

In wiring, the effect produced when two wires or other conductors having a great difference of voltage are placed near each other

Corona Loss

A loss or discharge which occurs when two electrodes having a great difference of pressure are placed near together

Corona Resistance

The ability of an insulation to withstand a specified level of field-intensified ionization that does not result in the immediate complete breakdown of the insulation

Corona Test

A test to determine the ability of a cable to withstand the formation of corona under an increasing applied voltage and to extinguish corona when a corona-producing voltage is reduced

Corrosion

The deterioration of a material by chemical reaction of galvanic action

Crazing

The minute cracks on the surface of plastic materials

CRCS

An acronym for continuous rigid cable support. Synonymous with tray.

Creep

The diamensional change with time of a material under load

Creepage

Electrical leakage on a solid dielectric surface

Cross-Linking

Introducing inter-molecular bonds between long chain thermoplastic polymers by chemical or electron bombardment means. The properties of the resulting thermosettingmaterials are usually improved.

Crosstalk

Signal interference between nearby conductors by pickup of stray energy. It is also called induced interference.

Cure

See Vulcanization

Curl

The degree to which a wire tends to form a circle after removal from a spool. An indication of the ability of the wire to be wrapped around posts in long runs.

Current

The rate of flow of electricity in a circuit, measured in amperes

Current Penetration

The depth a current of a given frequency will penetrate into the surface of a conductor carrying the current

Current-Carrying Capacity

The maximum current an insulated conductor or cable can continuously carry without exceeding its temperature rating. It is also called ampacity.

Cut-Through

Resistance of solid material to penetration by an object under conditions or pressure, temperature, etc.

CV (Continuous Vulcanizations)

Simultaneous extrusion and vulcanization of wire coating materials

Cycle

The complete sequence of alternation or reversal of the flow of an alternating electric current

D.C.

Abbreviation for "Direct Current"

Decibel (dB)

A unit to express difference of power level. Used to express power gaining amplifiers or power loss in passive circuits of cables.

Delay Line

A cable made to provide very low velocity of propagation with long electrical delay for transmitted signals

Derating Factor

A factor used to reduce the current carrying capacity of a wire when used in environments other than that for which the value was established

Dielectric

Any insulating material between two conductors which permits electrostatic attraction and repulsion to take place across it

Dielectric Absorption

That property of an imperfect dielectric whereby there is an accumulation of electric charges within the body of the material when it is placed in an electric field

Dielectric Breakdown

The voltage at which a dielectric material is punctured, which is divisible by thickness to give dielectric strength

Dielectric Constant (K)

The ratio of the capacitance of a condenser with dielectric between the electrodes to the capacitance when air is between the electrodes. Also called Permittivity and Specific Inductive Capacity.

Dielectric Strength

The voltage which an insulation can withstand before breakdown occurs. Usually expressed as a voltage gradient (such as volts per mil).

Dielectric Test

A test in which a voltage higher than the rated voltage is applied for a specified time to determine the adequacy of the insulation under normal conditions

Direct Burial Cable

A cable installed directly into the earth

Direct Capacitance

The capacitance measured directly from conductor to conductor through a single insulating layer

Direct Current (DC)

An electric current which flows in only one direction

Direct Current Resistance (D.C.R.)

The resistance offered by any circuit to the flow of direct current

Dissipation Factor

The tangent of the loss angle of the insulating material. (Also referred to as loss tangent, tan S, and approximate power factor).

Double Foot

Combined length of one linear foot of paired material; i.e., one double foot is equal to one foot of positive material plus one foot of negative material. Usually used in determining thermocouple wire loop resistance.

Drain Wire

In a cable, the uninsulated wire in intimate contact with a shield to provide for easier termination of such a shield to a ground point

Drawing

In wire manufacturing, pulling the metal through a die or series of dies to reduce diameter to a specific size

Duct

An underground or overhead tube for carrying electrical conductors

Duplex Insulated

In the thermocouple industry, a combination of dissimilar metal conductors of a thermocouple or thermocouple extension wire

Eccentricity

Like concentricity, a measure of the center of a conductor's location with respect to the circular cross section of the insulation. Expressed as a percentage of displacement of one circle within the other.

EIA

Abbreviation for Electronic Industries Association

Elastomer

A rubber-like substance

Electromagnetic

Pertaining to the combined electric and magnetic fields associated with movements of electrons through conductors

Electromotive force

Pressure or voltage. The force which causes current to flow in a circuit

Electrostatic

Pertaining to static electricity or electricity at rest. A constant intensity electric charge.

Elongation

The fractional increase in length of a material stressed in tension

EMF

See Electromotive force

EMI

Abbreviation for Electromagnetic Interference

Ends

In braiding, the number of essentially parallel wires or threads on a carrier

A flammability rating established by underwriters Laboratories for wires and cables that pass a specially designed vertical flame test. This designation has been replaced by VW-1.

Frequency

Number of times an alternating current reverses itself in one second. Expressed Hertz (Hz), which is one cycle per second.

FT1

A flammability rating established by CSA for wires or cables that pass a specially designed vertical flame test

FT4

A flammability rating established by CSA for multi-conductor cables that pass a specially designed vertical tray fire test

FT6

A flammability rating established by CSA for multi-conductor cables that pass a horizontal flame and smoke test sometimes referred to as the "Steiner Tunnel Test".

Gang Strip

Simultaneous stripping of all conductors in a flat or ribbon cable

Gas Filled Cable

A self-contained pressure cable in which the pressure medium is an inert gas having access to the insulation

Gauge

A term used to denote the physical size of a wire

Ground

A conducting connection between an electrical circuit and the earth or other large conducting body to serve as an earth thus making a complete electrical circuit

GTO

Gas, tube, oil

GTO cable

Gas, tube, oil ignition cable

Halar

A trade name of Ausimont USA for their copolymer or ethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene. Abbreviation ECTFE

Halogen

Any of the five elements: Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine. These elements may be combined with insulation compounds to enhance flame retardancy.

Hard Drawn Copper Wire

Copper wire that has not been annealed after drawing

Harness

An arrangement of wires and cables, usually with many breakouts, which have been tied together or pulled into a rubber or plastic sheath, used to interconnect an electric circuit

Hash Mark Stripe

A noncontinuous helical strip applied to a conductor for identification

Heat Distortion

Distortion or flow of a material configuration due to application of heat

Heat Endurance

The time of heat aging that a material can withstand before failing a specific physical or electrical test

Heat Resistance

Ability of a substance to maintain physical and chemical identity and electrical integrity under specified temperature conditions

Heat seal

A method for sealing by thermalfusion

Heat Shock

A test to determine stability of a material by sudden exposure to a high temperature for a short period of time

Helical Stripe

A continuous, colored, spiral stripe applied to a conductor for circuit identification

Henry

Unit of inductance such that the induced voltage in volts is numerically equal to the rate of change in current in amperes per second

Hermetically Sealed

A gastight enclosure that has been completely sealed by fusion or other comparable means

Hertz(Hz)

A term replacing cycles-per-second as a unit of frequency

High Voltage

Generally, wire or cable with an operating voltage of over 35,000 volts

Hi-pot

A test designed to determine the electrical integrity of an insulation

HIPPI (High Performance Parallel Interface)

An ANSI standard which defines the mechanical, electrical, and signal protocol requirements for a simplex, high performance, point to point interface between data processing equipment

Hook-up Wire

A single insulated conductor used for low-current, low voltage (usually under 600 volts) applications within enclosed electronic equipment

Hygroscopic

Capable of absorbing and retaining moisture

Hypalon

DuPont's trade name for their chlorosulfonated polyethylene, an ozone resistant synthetic rubber

Hz

An abbreviation or hertz

ICEA

Insulated Cable Engineers Association (formerly IPCEA)

IEC

International Electrotechnical Commission, similar to the ISO in structure and scope

IEEE

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

Impact Strength

A test for determining the mechanical punishment a cable can withstand without physical or electrical breakdown by impacting with a given weight, dropped a given distance, in a controlled environment

Impedance

The total opposition that a circuit offers to the flow of alternating current or any othr varying current at a particular frequency. It is a combination of resistance R and resistance X, measures in ohms.

The wiring between modules, between units, or the larger portions of a system

Interference

Any undesired electrical signal induced into a conductor by electrical or electromagnetic means

Interstices

Voids or valleys between individual strands in a conductor or between insulated conductors in a multi-conductor cable

Ionization

Generally the dissociation of an atom or molecule into positive or negative ions or electrons. Restrictively the state of an insulator whereby it facilitates the passage of current due to the presence of charged particle usually induced artifically.

IP (Intelligent Peripheral Interface)

An ANSI standard that defines the mechanical and electrical interface requirements for peripheral devices attached to and between computers

Irradiation

In insulations, the exposure of the material to high energy emissions for the purpose of favorably altering the molecular structure by crosslinking

ISA

Instrument Society of America

ISO

International Standards Organization

Jacket

An outer covering, usually nonmetallic, mainly used for protection against the environment

Conductivity of a material expressed as a percentage of that of copper

Periodicity

The uniformly spaced variations in the insulating diameter of a transmission cable that result in reflections of a signal, when its wavelength or a multiple thereof is equal to the distance between two diameter variations

Permittivity

See dielectric constant

Pick

Distance between two adjacent crossover points of braid filaments

Pitch

In flat cable, the nominal distance between the index edges of two adjacent conductors

Pitch Diameter

Diameter of a circle passing through the center of the conductors in any layer of a multiconductor cable

Plastic Deformation

Change in dimensions under load that is not recovered when the load is removed

Plasticizer

A chemical agent added to plastics to make them softer and more pliable

Plenum

The air return path of a central air handling system, either ductwork or open space over a dropped ceiling

Plenum cable

Cable approved by Underwriters Laboratories for installation in plenums without the need for conduit

Polyester

Polyethylene terephthalate which is used extensively in the production of a high strength moisture resistant film used as a cable core wrap

Polyethylene

A thermoplastic material having the chemical identity of polymerized ethylene

Polymer

A substance made of many repeating chemical units of molecules. The term polymer is often used in place of plastic, rubber, or elastomer.

Polyolefin

A genetic name for a thermoplastic based upon the unsaturated hydrocarbons known as olefins. When combined with butylene or styrene polymers they form compounds such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

Polypropylene

A thermoplastic polymer of propylene

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

A thermoplastic material composed of polymers of vinyl chloride which may be rigid or elastometric, depending on specific formulation

Porosity

Multiple air voids in an insulation or jacket wall

Potting

The sealing of a cable termination or other component with liquid which thermosets into an elastomer

Power Factor

The ratio of resistance to impedance. The ratio of the actual power of an alternating current to apparent power. Mathematically, the cosine of the angle between the voltage applied and the current resulting.

Primary Insulation

The first layer of nonconductive material applied directly over a conductor

Propagation Delay

Time required for a signal to pass from the input to the output of a device

Propagation Time

Time required for an electrical wave to travel between two points on a transmission line

Pulling Eye

A devise fastened to a cable to which a hook may be attached in order to pull the cable into or from a duct

Pulse

A current or voltage that changed abruptly from one value to another and back to the original value in a finite length of time. Used to describe one particular variation in a series of wave motions.

Pulse Cable

A type of coaxial cable constructed to transmit repeated high voltage pulses without degradation

Pyrometer

See thermocouple Thermometer

Quad

A four conductor cable in which opposite conductors are paired

R.E.A.

Rural Electrification Administration

Rad

The unit of radiation dose which is absorbed, equal to 100 ergs/gram

Rated Temperature

The maximum temperature at which an electric component can operate for extended periods without loss of its basic properties

Rated Voltage

The maximum voltage at which an electric component can operate for extended periods without undue degradation

Reactance

The opposition offered to the flow of alternating current by inductance or capacitance of a component or circuit

Recovered Edge

Edge of a flat cable or conductor from which measurements are made

Reference Junction

The junction of a thermocouple which is at a known reference temperature. Also known as the "cold" junction. It is usually located at the emf measuring device

Reflection Loss

The part of a signal which is lost due to reflection of power at a line discontinuity

Reflow Soldering

The process of connecting two solder-coated conductive surfaces by remelting of the solder to cause fusion

Registration

Alignment of one object with relation to another. Also called Register.

Reinforcement

A material used to reinforce, strengthen or give dimensional stability to another material

Resin

An organic substance of natural or synthetic origin characterized by being polymeric in structure and predominantly amorphous. Most resins, though not all, are of high molecular weight and consist of long chain or network molecular structure.

Resistance

In DC circuits, the opposition a material offers to current, measured in ohms. In AC circuits, resistance is the real component of impedance, and may be higher than the value measured at DC.

Retractile Cable

A cable that returns by its own stored energy from an extended condition to its original contracted form

RFI

Abbreviation for Radio Frequency Interference

RG/U

Abbreviation for Radio Government, Universal, RG is the military designation for coaxial cable and U stands for "general utility."

Ribbon Cable

A flat cable of individually insulated conductors lying parallel and held together by means of adhesive or woven textile yarn

Ridge Marker

One or more ridges running laterally along the outer surface of a plastic insulated wire for purposes of identification

Ringing Out

The process of locating or identifying specific conductive paths by means of passing current through selected conductors

Rise Time

The time required for the initially zero potential existing on a transmission line (which is terminated in its characteristic impedance) to change from 10% to 90% of its full DC value after a DC potential source is instantaneously applied

RMS or rms

Abbreviation for Root Mean Square

Rockwell Hardness

A test for determining hardness in which a hardened steel ball or diamond point is pressed into the material under test

Roentgen

The amount of radiation that will produce one electrostatic unit of ion per cubic centimeter volume

Rope Lay Conductor

A conductor composed of a central core surrounded by one or more layers of helically laid groups of wire

Rope Stand

A conductor composed of a center group of twisted strands surrounded by layers of helically laid groups of wire

Round Conductor

A conductor whose cross section is substantially circular

Routing

The path followed by a cable or conductor

Rulan

DuPont's trade name for their flame-retardant polyethylene insulation material

Rupture

In the breaking strength or tensile strength tests the point at which the material physically comes apart, as opposed to elongation, yield strength, etc.

SAE

Abbreviation for Society of Automotive Engineers

SCSI

(Small Computer System Interface) AN ANSI standard which defines mechanical, electrical, and funcitional requirements for interconnection of small computers and peripherals and other small computer systems

Secondary Insulation

A high resistance dielectric material which is placed over primary insulation to protect it from abrasion

Self-Extinguishing

The characteristic of a material whose flame is extinguished after the igniting flame is removed

Self-supporting Aerial Cable

A cable consisting of one or more insulated conductors factory-assembled with a messenger which supports the assemblage and which may or may not form a part of the electric circuit

Self-supporting Cable

Any assemblage of conductors which incorporates a steel rope or steel sheath for added tensile strength, thus enabling it to be suspended between widely spaced supports

Semi-Conducting Tape

A tape of such resistance that when applied between two elements of a cable, the adjacent surfaces of the two elements will maintain substantially the same potential

Semiconductor

A material that has a resistance characteristic between that of insulators and conductors

A layer of insultating material such as textile, paper, polyester, etc. Used to improve stripping qualities and flexibility and to provide mechanical or electrical protection to the underlying components

Serve

A filament or group of filaments such as fibers or wires, wound around a central core

A metallic layer placed around a conductor or group of conductors to prevent electrostatic interference between the enclosed wire and external fields

Shield Coverage

The physical area of a cable that is optically covered by the shielding material. Expressed in percent.

Shield Effectiveness

The relative ability of a shield to screen out undersirable signals

Shock Test

A test to determine the ability of a cable to withstand a violent physical concussion such as might occur during handling or use

Signal

A current used to convey information, either digital, analog, audio or video

Signal Cable

A cable designed to carry current of usually less than one ampere per conductor

Sintering

Fusion of a spirally applied tape wrap jacket by the use of high heat to a homogeneous continuum. Usually employed for fluorocarbon, nonextrudable materials

Skin Effect

The tendency of alternating current, as its frequency increases, to travel only on the surface of a conductor

SNM

A cable designed for use in hazardous locations consisting of insulated conductors in a extruded nonmetallic jacket which is then covered with an overlapping spiral metal tape & wire shield

Solid Conductor

A conductor consisting of a single strand of wire

Spacing

Distance between the closest edges of two adjacent conductors

Span

In flat cables, the distance from the reference edge of the first conductor to the reference edge of the last conductor or the distance between the centers of the first & last conductor expressed in inches or centimeters.

Spark Test

A test designed to locate imperfections (usually pinholes in the insulation of a wire or cable by application of a voltage for a very short period of time while the wire is being drawn through the electrode field

Specific Gravity

The ratio of the density (mass per unit volume) of a material to that of water

Specific Inductive Capacity (S.I.C.)

Same as dielectric constant

Spiral Wrap

The helical wrap of a material over a core

Stability Factor

The difference between the percentage power factor at 80 volts/mil and at 40 volts/mil measured on wire immersed in water 75C for a specified time

Standing Wave

The stationary pattern of waves produced by two waves of the same frequency traveling in opposite directions on the same transmission line

Standing Wave Ration (SWR)

A ratio of the maximum amplitude to the minimum amplitude of a standing wave stated in current or voltage amplitudes

Static Condition

Used to denote the environmental conditions of an installed cable rather than the conditions existing during cable installation

Strand

A single uninsulated wire

Stranded Conductor

A conductor composed of individual groups of wires twisted together to form an entire unit

Strip Force

The force required to remove a small section of insulating material from the conductor it covers

Suggested Working Voltage

AC voltage that can be applied between adjacent conductors

Surface Resistivity

The resistance of a material between two opposite sides of a unit square of its surface. It is usually expressed in ohms

Surge

A temporary and relatively large increase in the voltage or current in an electric circuit or cable. Also called transient.

Surlyn

DuPont's trade name for their thermoplastic resin with ionic crosslinks`

Sweep Test

A method to determine the frequency response of a cable by generating an RF voltage whose frequency is varied at a rapid constant rate over a given range

Switchboard Cable

A cable used within and between the central office and main frames and the switchboard

Tank Test

A voltage dielectric test in which the test sample is submerged in water and voltage is applied between the conductor and water as ground

Tape Wrap

A spirally applied tape over an insulated or uninsulated wire

Tear Strength

The force required to initiate or continue a tear in a material under specified conditions

Teflon

A DuPont company trademark for a family of flourocarbon resins

Temperature Rating

The maximum temperature at which an insulating material may be used in continuous operation without loss of its basic properties

Tensile Strength

The pull stress required to break a given specimen

Thermal Rating

The maximum and/or minimum temperature at which a material will perform its function without undue degradation

Thermal Shock

A test to determine the ability of a material to withstand heat and cold by subjecting it to rapid and wide changes in temperature

Thermocouple

A device consisting of 2 dissimilar metals in physical contact, which when heated will develop an EMF output.

Thermocouple Element

A thermocouple designed to be used as part of an assemble, but without associated parts such as the terminal block, connecting head, or protecting tube

Thermocouple Extension Wire

A pair of wires of dissimilar alloys having such emf-temperature characteristics complimenting the thermocouple which is intended to be used, such that when properly connected allows the emf to be faithfully transmitted to the reference junction

Thermocouple Wire (Grade)

A pair of wires of dissimilar alloys having emf-temperature characteristics calibrated to higher temperature levels than the extension type of thermocouple wire

Thermoplastic

A material which softens when heated and becomes firm on cooling

Thermoset

A material which hardens or sets by heat, chemical or radiation cross-linking techniques and which, once set, cannot be resoftened by heating

THHN

90C, 600V, nylon jacketed building wire for dry locations

THWN

75C, 600V, nylon jacketed building wire for wet and dry locations

Tin Overcoat (TOC)

Tinned copper wire, stranded, then coated with tin

Tinned copper

Tin coating added to copper to aid in soldering and inhibit corrosion

Tinsel

A type of electrical conductor comprised of a number of tiny threads, each thread having a fine, flat ribbon of copper or other metal closely spiralled about it. Used for small size cables requiring limpness and extra-long flex life.

Topcoat

Bare (untinned) copper wire, stranded, then coated with tin

Transfer Impedance

Defined as the ratio of internal longitude in a voltage to external current flow on the cable shield. It's used to determine shield effectiveness against both the ingress & egress of interfering signals